Gender identity is an internal sense of being male, female, non-binary, or another gender. Gender expression is how a person presents that identity to the world through clothing, behavior, and voice.

The constant expansion of the acronym (LGBTQIA+) reflects a commitment to ensuring every identity—including intersex, asexual, and two-spirit individuals—feels seen.

Take the initiative to learn about LGBTQ+ history and current issues rather than expecting the community to educate you.

From the Harlem Ballroom scene (the origin of "voguing" and "drag") to revolutionary literature and cinema, LGBTQ+ creators have fundamentally shaped global pop culture. 3. Core Values in the Community

The term "transgender" is an umbrella for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

LGBTQ+ culture is built on a history of creating "chosen families" and safe spaces when biological families or society at large offered rejection.